The motor industry has been coming out of the dark a little recently. Last year saw some significant improvement, with strong figures of growth across the board. There has even been talk of the industry returning to pre-recession standards. Car lovers certainly seem to be coming out of the woodwork more and more. There have, however, been some significant shifts in consumer demand over the last year. Overall, people seem to be ditching the idea of a love affair with one particular brand. Though this won’t affect sales too much for any one company, it does mean that people seem to be less willing to part with their cash. Another factor of the changing landscape within the motor industry is the rising costs of electronics. This experienced a significant spike last year, and it only looks set to increase further. Nonetheless, there is a wealth of great news for all car fans out there. Looking ahead at the coming year, things look promising for motorheads, with some fantastic cars lined up ready and waiting to go on sale. Let’s dive in now and explore some of the most-anticipated vehicles of 2016.
Abarth 500X
The 500 received a plethora of fantastic reviews when it was released a couple of years ago. Its newer cousin looks set to enthrall to just about the same level. Fiat fans can expect a pumped-up sports car with this latest model. Likely to have the same 1.4-litre engine as its older counterpart, it will nonetheless power about the same. It is expected to be able to compete with the Nissan Juke Nismo RS and the Mini Countryman JCW, so it is not one to be readily ignored. Drivers look set to have the opportunity to drive the 500X four-wheel, with the option of manual or automatic still being on the table. The pricing is as yet unconfirmed. However, rumours persist that it will be around the same mark as the Juke Nismo. Physically, it looks set to be a great car to start off the year. Twin tailpipes, a huge spoiler and plenty of sports dials and gauges inside. This is not one to miss.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
If you’re looking for a car with a serious boost this year, then look no further than the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The base version is set to receive a 2-litre turbo-four engine with direct injection and a variable valve timing system. And with three options of 180hp, 250hp and 330hp, you will definitely get bang for your buck. There is also a 2.2-litre expected on the European market, though it is unlikely to grace the US. The Giulia has already received some bad press, however. This is in part because it has been delayed for six months already. This was due to a fail on three of the crash tests. However, production has started up again, and it now looks set to finish by September of this year. We can’t wait!
Aston Martin DB11
The gorgeous DB9 has long been an absolute staple for just about anyone who loves a smooth vehicle. Finally, however, it is set to be replaced by an upgraded version. The new DB11 is expected to go on sale late into 2016, and it looks set to be a winner. The DB9 already had a 6.0-litre V12 engine, so we can expect some considerable power with this latest addition. Chances are, we are looking at a turbocharged upgrade of the same engine, probably with improved efficiency. There is also talk of it going on sale with the option of a V8 engine. If all that weren’t enough, it looks like this is only the beginning of an upcoming trend. Aston will be releasing a number of new vehicles before you know it, including an electric Rapide and a DBX crossover. Watch this space.
Porsche Cayman GT4
Latest in Porsche’s range of mid-engined sports cars is this little beauty. It has already been posited as the ultimate Cayman, and it certainly looks set to be a winner. The upcoming GT4 will see Porsche loosening the Cayman reins a little in order to take advantage of its superlative balance and inertia. This will give the car a better handling advantage than any of its predecessors. This model will borrow significantly from the 911 Carrera S, primarily in terms of its engine. The 400-hp 3.8-litre flat-six will receive a highly modified intake which is sure to make it the best of both worlds. Not only that, but it is due to weigh less than a 325-hp Cayman S – even with a significantly larger engine. Speed is expected in dizzying quantities, with zero to sixty taking probably less than four seconds. Not bad at all. Look out for this later in the coming year.
McLaren P14
Now onto a vehicle which is so anticipated partly because it is so shrouded in mystery. Known only by its code name, the P14 has already received so much hype that there isn’t a car fan in the world who isn’t excited. It certainly has a lot to live up to, and a lot of expectation to try and match. This will be the replacement for the 650S, which is itself still a relatively recent car. You might be tempted to wonder how they could improve on it already. Well, McLaren are promising it will be a whole other realm. Powered by an upgrade of the 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, it looks unlikely to disappoint. In terms of what else they will be likely to sneak in there, it can be difficult to know. However, it looks promising that the P14 will have a dramatic improvement in terms of its aerodynamics. This is surely one of the most eagerly-awaited supercars for a long time.
Cadillac CT6
In terms of clean-cut design and a smooth appearance of cold efficiency, the new Cadillac is the one to watch in 2016. It’s not going to be the prettiest car on the road, but what it lacks in style it will probably make up for in performance. This is in part due to its design, in fact. It is light, aerodynamic, easy-going for its own components. So you know that it will be worth the slightly clunky appearance once you get behind the wheel. It will also be chock-full of fancy gadgetry and new-fangled equipment. Expect a rearview mirror which doubles as a display screen for the rear-facing camera. Pretty neat, but that’s not all. The CT6 will also boast a 10-inch touch screen navigation system mounted directly in the dashboard. And that’s not to even mention the return of night vision. Likely to have a 3.0 or 3.6-litre engine, it won’t exactly lag behind the others, either. For the petrolhead with a geeky side, this might be the car of 2016.
Ford Focus RS
Now for something at the cheaper end of the scale, though no less exciting as a product. The Ford Focus has long been a staple of the second-hand car industry. Outlets like Imperial Car Supermarket often offer them fairly inexpensively. However, if you are looking for a new car, the upcoming Ford Focus RS is an ideal choice if you are on a budget. With well in excess of 315 horsepower, this is a speedy little car which doesn’t need to break the bank. One of the most exciting functions offered with this new Focus will be the power-on drifting allowance. Keep your eye out for this one when it hits in Summer this year.
Infiniti Q30
Their first compact design since the G20, this is lined up to be one of the hottest vehicles not just in 206, but for the next few years. Let’s have a look at the specs to find out why. That Mercedes engine will provide significant power, for a start. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder beauty inside a glorious shell of a car. It is bound to have some considerable torque which is not to be messed with. Expect anything up to 250 horsepower, maybe even slightly more for the sport models. Also on offer will be both front- and four-wheel drive. What might be most surprising is the cost of this vehicle, which is relatively low. As long as the marketing is sufficient, this could be an extremely well-selling car this year.
Ferrari 488GTB
If it’s style you’re looking for in 2016, you can’t say fairer than the brand new Ferrari. Expected to be released late this year, it is likely to look as hot as any of its ancestors. It will most likely look like an updated version of the 458 Italia, so not something to be scoffed at. With a uniquely revised styling and that incredibly light design, it is sure to be a popular addition to the market this year. Speedy, slick, reliable as hell. You can rarely go wrong with Ferrari – and this doesn’t look to be any different. A twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V-8 engine with 488-cc-per-cylinder displacement means super speed. For the ideal marriage of power, speed and style, the new Ferrari is the one to watch out for.
